Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Wed, 02/03/2010 - 14:14HI - our daughter was diagnosed over the summer with Absence Seizures. Her pediatric neurologist has recommended starting her on Ethosuximide. She has assured us that the side effects are primarily "upset stomach" and that can remedied by taking the medication with food.
We are new to all of this and quite overwhelmed. Currently, these seizures are not interferring with her school work, behavior, or social activities. Since it is most likely that she will "out-grow" them we are reluctant to start medication.
Is there anyone "out there" who has never medicated OR started the medication and then stopped it b/c of the side effects?
We don't want to make the wrong decision. Thank you for any insight.
Comments
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by Tonya DeFate on Wed, 2010-04-07 - 15:36
I too am not medicating my 6 yr old son for absence seizures. I'm not anti-medication either but just so scared of the side affects that I read about & hear from other parents!
It has been a year now and it has been very difficult because of the redicule that I get for not using pharmaceuticals - from parents, teachers, family and his pediatrician, which said I was bordering on medical neglect! Needless to say I'm in search of a new one.
I am concerned about other kids making fun of him & my biggest concern right now is swimming! He knows how to swim and is closley supervised -of course.
How old is your daughter and how are you dealing with these issues?
I too am not medicating my 6 yr old son for absence seizures. I'm not anti-medication either but just so scared of the side affects that I read about & hear from other parents!
It has been a year now and it has been very difficult because of the redicule that I get for not using pharmaceuticals - from parents, teachers, family and his pediatrician, which said I was bordering on medical neglect! Needless to say I'm in search of a new one.
I am concerned about other kids making fun of him & my biggest concern right now is swimming! He knows how to swim and is closley supervised -of course.
How old is your daughter and how are you dealing with these issues?
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by helling1111 on Wed, 2010-04-07 - 23:25
HI - our daughter is 8 years old. She has been having absence seizures for almost one year. I know that some people think we are crazy for not medicating but, for now, that is our decision. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years and it bothers me that we are basically going against the medical advice of our pediatric neurologist. However, we have had an indepth discussion with our family doctor (who knows us very well) and he is supportive of our decision. Although he did tell us that he would chose to medicate if it was his child. I can understand that perspective.
My daughter is in 2nd grade and has only told me once that she heard someone making fun of her. Of course, that crushed me, but I also know that kids will make fun of other kids for many different reasons.
I also worry about swimming and wonder if there is any safety devices available for keeping kids safe?? Even if my daughter was on medication, I would still have concerns about the swimming pool and other activites.
So ... not sure that helps but we can offer each other support! Take good care!
HI - our daughter is 8 years old. She has been having absence seizures for almost one year. I know that some people think we are crazy for not medicating but, for now, that is our decision. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years and it bothers me that we are basically going against the medical advice of our pediatric neurologist. However, we have had an indepth discussion with our family doctor (who knows us very well) and he is supportive of our decision. Although he did tell us that he would chose to medicate if it was his child. I can understand that perspective.
My daughter is in 2nd grade and has only told me once that she heard someone making fun of her. Of course, that crushed me, but I also know that kids will make fun of other kids for many different reasons.
I also worry about swimming and wonder if there is any safety devices available for keeping kids safe?? Even if my daughter was on medication, I would still have concerns about the swimming pool and other activites.
So ... not sure that helps but we can offer each other support! Take good care!
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by helling1111 on Thu, 2010-03-04 - 14:50
HI - it has been about a month since my original post. We have still decided not to medicate - at this time. I am not anti-medication and am grateful that it is available. However, like many, I am concerned about the side effects.
We are on a very cautious "wait and see" approach. Her seizures will either get better, get worse, or stay the same. Like so many aspects of parenting, we are taking this "day by day".
I think we all deserve a round of applause for doing the best we can for the kids we love so much :-)
HI - it has been about a month since my original post. We have still decided not to medicate - at this time. I am not anti-medication and am grateful that it is available. However, like many, I am concerned about the side effects.
We are on a very cautious "wait and see" approach. Her seizures will either get better, get worse, or stay the same. Like so many aspects of parenting, we are taking this "day by day".
I think we all deserve a round of applause for doing the best we can for the kids we love so much :-)